Control scheme for enhanced filtered water systems

ABSTRACT

An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user&#39;s preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user. The control system can also include a monitor element that can gather data from outside the enhanced water system, such as user health information or environmental information, and provide the data to the enhanced water system. In some embodiments, a control logic element can be used to coordinate and control operation of the elements of the enhanced water system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/720,069, filed Mar. 9, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/015,395, filed Dec. 16, 2004, which is now U.S.Pat. No. 7,713,482, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/531,004, filed Dec. 18, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to water filtration, and, morespecifically, to control systems that add enhancements to filtereddrinking water.

2. Description of the Related Art

Unwanted and potentially harmful contamination in water, especiallydrinking water, is of concern to many people. This concern creates adesire for water treatment devices in the home and elsewhere. Many watertreatment devices and methods have been developed to remove orneutralize particulate and chemical contaminants.

Major categories of consumer water filtration systems include plumbed-inor faucet-mount systems that rely on the pressure of the water supply toforce untreated water through a water treatment device; and non-plumbed,pour-though or batch systems that rely on gravity to move water from anupper influent water chamber, through a filtering means to a lowereffluent water chamber. In general, most pour-through systems use waterfilters made of loose filtration media, as the force of gravity is notusually enough to push water through more compacted media. On the otherhand, most faucet-mount systems filter water through porous compositeblocks made from filtration media and binders. Water in faucet-mountsystems is driven through filter blocks by pressure in the water supplyline. Other water treatment systems that can use porous composite blocksinclude refrigerator systems and squeeze bottles.

People have greatly increased their consumption of filtered or processedwater in recent years. Many people choose filtered water because theylike the taste or because they believe it is a healthier option than tapor well water.

There is an increasing demand for dietary supplements, such as vitamins,minerals, and herbs, as part of maintaining overall health. It isdesirable, as an outgrowth of water filtration, to offer enhancements toadd to filtered water to support the health of consumers. Althoughenhancements can be purchased separately and added to filtered water, itis inconvenient to have to open a package or several packages to get themix of enhancements desired. It is even more inconvenient to do thisrepeatedly for each serving of filtered water, requiring additional timeand utensils. Furthermore, it is not very useful to mix up a large batchof filtered, enhanced water, as many enhancements change over time aftermixing into water.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices and methods for addingenhancements to filtered water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhancedwater system to produce enhanced filtered water is disclosed. Theenhancement control system includes at least one enhancement deliveryelement that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water inresponse to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancementcontrol system can also include an input element that can enabletransmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user tothe enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also includea memory element that can store information about the user and theuser's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. Thecontrol system can also include a communication element that can provideinformation from the enhanced water system to the user. The controlsystem can also include a monitor element that can gather data fromoutside the enhanced water system, such as user health information orenvironmental information, and provide the data to the enhanced watersystem. In some embodiments, a control logic element can be used tocoordinate and control operation of the elements of the enhanced watersystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and others will be readily appreciated by theskilled artisan from the following description of illustrativeembodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section drawing of a water enhancementsystem that can both filter water and add enhancements to the filteredor treated water, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-section drawing of a flow-through orgravity-flow water enhancement system, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that shows an exemplary embodiment of anenhancement control system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that shows an exemplary embodiment ofcomponents that can be included as part of the input element.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that shows an exemplary embodiment of theinformation that can be accessed in the communication element.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates some of the information thatcan be stored in the memory element.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that illustrates some of the parameters thatcan be measured by the monitor element.

FIG. 8A is a block drawing that shows one possible arrangement for anenhancement delivery element.

FIG. 8B is a block drawing that shows another possible arrangement foran enhancement delivery element.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram that outlines the steps for using a controlsystem as discussed in Example 1.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram that outlines the steps for using a controlsystem as discussed in Example 2.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram that outlines the steps for using a controlsystem as discussed in Example 3.

FIG. 12A is a block diagram that outlines the first four steps for usinga control system as discussed in Example 4.

FIG. 12B is a continuation of the block diagram in FIG. 12A, whichoutlines the next five steps for using a control system as discussed inExample 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There are a number of reasons why health-minded people drink waterregularly. Drinking water prevents dehydration, which is associated withfatigue and a variety of health concerns. Water can provide properhydration, which aids digestion, supports removal of cell wasteproducts, and contributes to skin and overall health. After exercise,water can replenish lost fluids. Many weight loss programs encouragedrinking water as a no-calorie stomach filler. In general, water is amuch healthier hydration choice than beverages that contain sugar,carbonation, or caffeine. Many people prefer not to drink tap waterbecause of possible contaminants therein and because they do not likethe taste. Some people choose filtered water in order to avoid ingestionof contaminants, such as lead and sulfur, and because they prefer thetaste of water after filtration.

Many people like the idea of adding supplements or enhancements to theirdiets because they want to improve or maintain their health. Popularsupplements include daily multi-vitamins, minerals, and herbs, which cansupply benefits such as increased energy or increased immunity. One ofthe primary barriers to taking regular supplements is the inconvenience;it can be difficult to make the time to mix beverages or to remember totake pills as part of one's daily routine. It is more convenient whensupplements or enhancements are included in beverages or foods thatpeople are already ingesting every day. Examples includecalcium-fortified orange juice, milk with added vitamin D, andvitamin-fortified breakfast cereal. But the enhancements are included inthe orange juice, the milk and the cereal long before these productsreach people's homes. It would be even more convenient if individualenhancements, tailored to individual needs or desires, could be addedeasily and at the point of use to liquids that people are alreadydrinking every day, such as filtered water.

Household pets or other animals can also benefit from enhanced water,especially when the enhancement(s) has been tailored to their individualneeds.

In one embodiment of the invention, enhancements can be dispensed asindividual doses into servings of filtered water as the filtered waterleaves a water treatment system. It is desirable to use simple watertreatment systems to minimize cost and complexity to the consumer.Simple water treatment systems include systems through which water isdriven by the force of gravity, by pressure in the source water line,and/or by hand pumps. The source water line is generally part of theplumbing in the house or building in which the water treatment system isused. Examples of simple water treatment systems include faucet mountsystems, in-faucet systems, under-the-sink systems, countertop systems,refrigerator water systems, stand-alone filtration pitchers, waterdispensers, and portable water bottles. Systems that require electricpumps to move water through them or that operate at pressures greaterthan 125 psi, or, in some arrangements, greater than 100 psi, are notconsidered to be simple water treatment systems for the purpose of thisdisclosure.

Not everyone needs or desires the same enhancements. In a situationwhere many people use the same enhanced water system, specificenhancement(s) can be chosen for each person. A number of enhancementscan be stored as part of the water enhancement system and can bedispensed simply, as desired. One or several enhancements can be addedto filtered water as it leaves the system. The terms “enhanced watersystem” and “water enhancement system” are used interchangeablythroughout the disclosure to mean a system that can filter water and addenhancements to the filtered water.

The amount or dose of an enhancement can be selected for each individualserving. The dose can be adjusted based on the amount of treated waterthat is added to the enhancement. In some arrangements, the dose can bepre-selected and then dispensed with subsequent servings or enhancedfiltered water. In other arrangements, the dose can be determined anddispensed as desired with each serving.

In some embodiments, enhancements are added to filtered water withoutadding any apparent taste, smell, or feel, that is, the enhancements areorganoleptically acceptable. The aesthetic of enhanced water can beindistinguishable from that of filtered water. Health-relatedenhancements include minerals, vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritionalsupplements, phytonutrients, probiotics, homeopathic remedies, aminoacids, enzymes, hormones, standard prescription medications andover-the-counter medications. Examples of some enhancements are given inTable 1. Enhancements are most useful when they are in forms that havehigh bioavailability, that is, forms that are easily absorbed and usedby the body.

TABLE 1 Health-Related Enhancements minerals calcium, magnesium, iron,zinc, manganese, copper, chromium, selenium, molybdenum, vanadium,potassium, iodine, pentathionic acid, boron vitamins vitamin A, vitaminB2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, thiamin,omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, folic acid herbal echinacea,primrose oil, ginseng, ginko, gentian, comfrey, garlic, supplementscalendula, brewer's yeast, fenugreek, licorice root, juniper berry, wildyam root, ginger root, goldenseal root, poke root, St. John's wort,mullein, saw palmetto phytonutrients chlorella, spirulina probioticslactobacillus acidophilus, bifobacterium bifidium homoepathic arnicamontana, aconitum napellus, bryonia alba, cantharis, remedies cocculusindicus, dulcamara, gelsemium sempervirens, ignatia amara, ledumpalustre, mezereum, nux vomica, silicea, thuja occidentalis amino acidshistidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, valine enzymespancreatin, bromelain, protease, lipase, amylase, pancrelipase, papain,pepsin, diatase, cellulase

In other embodiments, it can be advantageous to make secondary aestheticchanges to the enhanced filtered water. Aesthetic enhancements includecoloring agents, such as FD&C dyes and FD&C lake dyes; flavoring agents,such as natural and artificial fruit and botanical flavors, fruitjuices, and other well-known flavoring agents, such as chocolate andvanilla; edible acids, such as tannic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid,citric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, and maleic acid;natural and artificial sweeteners; and antioxidants, such as butylatedhydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytouene (BHT). In somearrangements, the secondary aesthetic enhancements can be used to maskan unpleasant organoleptic change caused by a primary health-relatedenhancement. In some arrangements, secondary aesthetic enhancements canbe used in addition to primary health-related enhancements, even whenthe health-related enhancement has caused no unpleasant organolepticchange, for example, as a taste or visual indicator that a particularhealth-related enhancement has also been added. In one example, anorange color is added to filtered water that has been enhanced withVitamin C. In other arrangements, aesthetic enhancements can be used bythemselves when only a subtle aesthetic change to filtered water isdesired. In general, aesthetic enhancements are secondary and are notused for the purpose of producing a flavored beverage that contains nobenefits other than the flavor. Secondary aesthetic enhancements areadded to mask unpleasant flavors caused by health-related primaryenhancements, or in concert with a primary health-related enhancement toact as a marker for the primary enhancement, or to add very subtleflavors to increase a user's enjoyment of drinking filtered water.

In some embodiments, enhancements can be added to filtered water to makeenhanced water that has an optimal composition of minerals andmicroelements. The types and amounts of enhancements added to thefiltered water to achieve the optimal composition depends on thecomposition of the filtered water before enhancement. The composition ofthe filtered water depends on the composition of the source water andcan vary from one geographic region to another. A suggested optimalcomposition for enhanced water is listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Mineral Concentration Mineral Concentration component mg/dm³component mg/dm³ HCO₃ ⁻ 357 Mn²⁺ 0.016 SO₄ ²⁻ 10.56 F⁻ 0.3 Cl⁻ 2.2 I⁻0.05 Na⁺ 5.5 Zn²⁺ 2.0 K⁺ 0.75 Cu²⁺ 0.3 Ca²⁺ 78 Cr³⁺ 0.02 Mg²⁺ 23 Mo(MoO₄ ²⁻) 0.02 Fe²⁺ 0.06 Se (SeO₄ ²⁻) 0.014

In one embodiment, enhancements are used to make enhanced water to drinkwith a meal to intensify the flavor of the food. Enhancements such asglutamic acid, guanylic acid, disodium guanylate, inosinic acid, anddisodium inosinate are known to be flavor enhancers. In one embodiment,enhancements are used to make enhanced water that can accelerate theonset of satiety. The enhanced water can be consumed before or during ameal to help with weight control. Enhancements such asglycomacropeptides are known to accelerate satiety.

After they are mixed with water, some enhancements, such as vitamin C,vitamin B, and iron, can degrade over time. The enhancements can losetheir potency or they can lose their effectiveness altogether. If theenhanced water is ingested very soon after the enhancement is added,benefits from the enhancement can be realized without concern aboutdegradation.

Enhancements can be in the form of liquids, powders, microcapsules,nanocapsules, nebulized nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, micelles, gases,and combinations thereof. In some arrangements, the enhancements arecontained in a refillable reservoir. In other arrangements, theenhancements are contained in a disposable cartridge.

In one embodiment, the enhanced water systems described herein usesource water that is either at room temperature or colder. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the source water can have a temperature nohigher than about 40° C. (105° F.) In yet another embodiment, the sourcewater can have a temperature no higher than about 50° C. (120° F.). Ingeneral, the source water and filtered water in the enhanced watersystem do not undergo a heating step as is required for brewingbeverages such as coffee or tea. Furthermore, many of the enhancementsdescribed herein can be denatured or deactivated by exposure to hightemperatures. Combining heat-sensitive enhancements with hightemperature water can reduce the health benefits of the enhanced water.

The amounts of enhancements which are added into the filtered water tomake enhanced filtered water are very small. Of course, the amount ordose recommended can vary with each enhancement. Table 3 shows therecommended daily allowances (RDAs) of vitamins and minerals for adultsand children more than four years of age. The total amount of vitaminsand minerals in the RDA is about 2550 mg or 2.55 g. Eight ounces offiltered water weighs about 240 g. The weight proportion of the totalRDA in an eight ounce serving of enhanced filtered water is about 1 wt %(weight percent). Many more enhancements may be added to a serving (8ounces) of filtered water without greatly increasing the weightproportion contributed to the enhanced water by the enhancements. Insome arrangements, the weight proportion of enhancements is no more thanabout 5 wt % of the enhanced water. In other arrangements, the weightproportion of enhancements is no more than about 3 wt % of the enhancedwater. In yet other arrangements, the weight proportion of enhancementsis no more than about 1.5 wt % of the enhanced water.

TABLE 3 U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances, U.S. RDAs, for Adults andChildren 4 or more Years of Age Other Names & Usual Forms Amount ofNutrient in Supplements 100% U.S. RDA Vitamin A Vitamin A acetate; Beta-18 mg carotene Vitamin D Vitamin D; Cholecalciferol 10 μg Vitamin EAlpha tocopherol acetate 20 μg Vitamin C Ascorbic acid; Niacinamide 60mg ascorbate Folic acid Folacin 400 μg Thiamine Vitamin B-1; Thiamin;1.5 mg Thiamine mononitrate Riboflavin Vitamin B-2 1.7 mg NiacinNiacinamide; Niacinamide 20 mg ascorbate Vitamin B-6 Pyridoxinehydrochloride 2.0 mg Vitamin B-12 Cyanocobalamin 6.0 μg Biotin Biotin0.3 mg Pantothenic acid Calcium pantothenate 10 mg Calcium Dibasiccalcium phosphate; 1000 mg Elemental calcium Phosphorus Dibasic calciumphosphate 1000 mg Iodine Potassium iodide 150 μg Iron Ferrous fumarate;Ferrous 18 mg sulfate; Elemental iron Magnesium Magnesium oxide;Magnesium 400 mg sulfate Copper Cupric oxide; Cupric sulfate 2.0 mg ZincZinc oxide 15 mg

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section drawing of a water enhancementsystem 100 that can both filter water and add enhancements to thefiltered or treated water, according to an embodiment of the invention.The water enhancement system 100 includes an inlet 110 for source water.The inlet 110 is in fluid communication with a water filter device 130.Source water can flow from the inlet 110 along any of a number of fluidpaths through water treatment material within the filter device 130,thus becoming treated water. Possible water treatment materials includeactivated carbon, carbonized synthetic materials, hydrophobic polymericadsorbents, activated alumina, activated bauxite, fuller's earth,diatomaceous earth, silica gel, calcium sulfate, zeolite particles,inert particles, sand, surface charge-modified particles, ceramicparticles, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. Thetreated water can flow from the filter device 130 into an outlet 115. Insome embodiments, the treated water flows from the filter device 130into a treated water container 135, where the treated water can be heldfor some time before being allowed to flow into the outlet 115.

A first enhancement 152 can be added to the treated water in the outlet115 through a first dispensing unit 156. In some arrangements, a secondenhancement 162 can be added to the treated water in the outlet 115through a second dispensing unit 166. In other arrangements (not shown),there can be any number of enhancements added to the treated water. Asenhancement(s) 152, 162 are added, the treated water becomes enhancedwater. The enhanced water can continue flowing through the outlet 115 toa point of use, such as a cup, a bottle, or even directly into aconsumer's mouth.

In some arrangements, there is a valve 170 that can prevent enhancedwater in the outlet 115 from moving back toward the filter device 130 orback into the optional treated water container 135. The valve 170 can bea simple mechanical check valve or flap valve. In other arrangements,the valve 170 can be electrically powered, for example, by a battery.

In some arrangements, the outlet 115 can include a mixing chamber (notshown) where the enhanced water can be mixed, perhaps with an agitationtool that has a geometry that can create turbulence, such as a rotor,baffle, screw, or auger, before continuing to flow out through theoutlet 115 to a point of use. In some arrangements, the agitation toolcan be driven solely by the flow of the water. In other arrangements,the agitation tool can be driven by changing the position of the system100 or by a spring mechanism. In yet other arrangements, the agitationtool can be electrically powered, such as by a battery.

In some embodiments, no electric pumps are used to pump water throughthe water enhancement system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments,source water comes directly from a faucet. The source water is subjectto the pressure that results from pumping within a city water systemand/or additional pumping systems within a building before the sourcewater reaches the faucet. In other embodiments, there is an inlet watercontainer, as will be discussed below, in which source water can be heldbefore it flows into the filter device 120 under the force of gravityalone.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-section drawing of a flow-through orgravity-flow water enhancement system 200, according to an embodiment ofthe invention. No electric pumps are used to move water through thewater enhancement system 200. The water enhancement system 200 has ahousing 205, which has an inlet 210 and an outlet 215. The inlet 210opens into a source water container 220. In FIG. 2, the source watercontainer 220 holds a quantity of source water 225, which has beenintroduced into the source water container 220 through the inlet 210.The source water 225 has fluid communication with a filter component 230through openings 227. The source water 225 can flow through the filtercomponent 230, thus becoming treated water, and into treated watercontainer 235 through openings 232. In FIG. 2, the treated watercontainer 235 holds a quantity of treated water 240. The outlet 215 canbe in fluid communication with the treated water container 235. Byadjusting the position of the water enhancement system 200, the treatedwater 240 can flow into the outlet 215.

Adjacent the outlet 215 is a first enhancement module 250, whichcontains a first enhancement 252. By activating first consumer control254, the first enhancement 252 can be dispensed into the outlet 215through first dispensing unit 256. The first consumer control 254 can bea button, a knob, a dial, a lever, an airbladder, a slide, a catch, awheel, or combinations thereof.

In FIG. 2, there is a second enhancement module 260 that contains asecond enhancement 262 adjacent the outlet 215. By activating secondconsumer control 264, the second enhancement 262 can be dispensed intothe outlet 215 through second dispensing unit 266. The second consumercontrol 264 can be a button, a knob, a dial, a lever, an airbladder, aslide, a catch, a wheel, or combinations thereof. Although there areonly two enhancement modules 250, 260 shown in FIG. 2, any number ofenhancement modules can be used in the embodiments of the invention.

In some arrangements, there is a valve 270 that can prevent enhancedwater in the outlet 215 from moving back into the treated watercontainer 235. The valve 270 can be a simple mechanical check valve orflap valve. In other arrangements, the valve 270 can be electricallypowered, for example, by a battery. The valve 270 prevents mixing ofenhanced water with treated water 240 in the treated water container235. In some arrangements, the outlet 215 can include a mixing chamber,as is discussed below, where the enhanced water can be mixed beforeflowing out through the outlet 215 to a point use.

The amount or dose of an enhancement can be selected for each individualserving. The dose can be adjusted based on the amount of enhancementdesired and on the amount of treated water that is added to theenhancement, i.e., the serving size. In some arrangements, a measureddose can be selected and dispensed as desired with each serving. Inother arrangements, a measured dose can be pre-selected and thenautomatically dispensed with subsequent servings. Input elements such asthe consumer controls 254, 256 shown in FIG. 2 can be used to initiaterelease of an enhancement into filtered water.

Further details of enhanced water systems have been described by Rinkeret al. in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/825,344, filed Apr. 15,2004, hereby incorporated herein by reference.

An enhancement control system can provide consumers or users with anaccurate, safe, and easy way to add and track enhancement additions tofiltered drinking water. Such systems can be simple or complex.

Complex systems can include features such as control, system feedback,system reset, user-controlled dose delivery cancellation, dose counting,delayed dose delivery, prompts to refill enhancement reservoirs,enhancement delivery programs for individual users, computer control,logic functions to suggest useful enhancements, and health andenvironmental monitors, any or all of which may be powered electrically,using either batteries or line power.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that shows an exemplary embodiment of anenhancement control system 300. Components include a control logicelement 310, an input element 320, a communication element 330, a memoryelement 340, a monitor element 350, and an enhancement delivery element360. Enhancement control systems can include some or all of thecomponents shown in FIG. 3. There can be one or more of each element.Many of the components can also include sub-elements, as will bediscussed further below. Enhancement control systems can also includeadditional components not shown in FIG. 3 to customize an enhanced watersystem for specific uses. Each of the elements can send and receivesignals or information from the other components. In some arrangements,the elements can send and receive signals through a bus 370.

Input Element

The input element 320 provides a user interface to the enhancementcontrol system 300. A user can perform various functions through theinput element 320. The user can activate the input element 320 toproduce a signal that can enable transmittal of enhancement deliveryinstructions to the enhancement delivery element 360. In onearrangement, the input signal contains the enhancement deliveryinstructions directly to the enhancement delivery element 360, which candispense an enhancement into the filtered water. In other arrangements,the input signal invokes the enhancement delivery instructions from amemory element 340. After the enhancement delivery instructions arecalled up from the memory element 340, the instructions can be sent onto the enhancement delivery element 360, which can dispense anenhancement into the filtered water.

Some exemplary components of the input element 320 are shown in theillustrated embodiment in FIG. 4. The input element 320 can be usedmanually as indicated in the upper portion of FIG. 4 or the inputelement 320 can operate automatically or semi-automatically to activateprograms specific to an individual as shown in the lower portion of FIG.4.

To operate the enhancement control system 300 manually, a user canchoose one or more enhancements, Type 1 through Type n, and a specificdose, Dose 1 through Dose n, respectively, for each type of enhancement.The enhancement(s) can be dispensed at once to mix with filtered wateras the water exits the filtered water system.

To operate the enhancement control system 300 automatically orsemi-automatically, a user can enter an identification code orrepresentation through the input element. Suitable ways of identifyingthe user include, but are not limited to, personal identification number(PIN), name, pass code, and the like, which can be communicated to theenhancement control system 300 via an input device or process, such as akeypad, touch screen, matrix card, retinal scanner, thumbprint reader,magnetic card reader, bar code, or radio frequency identification tag(RFID), and the like.

A user can establish a personal profile through the input element 320,which is stored in the memory element 340 of the control system 300.Information about the user, the user's general health, the user'senhancement preferences, and the user's predetermined programs ofenhancements can be stored as part of the personal profile. In somearrangements, the enhancement control system 300 can pose a few simplequestions about preferences to the user to aid in the formation of thepersonal profile. The user's enhancement preferences can includeinformation about regularly used enhancements, Type 1 through Type n,and specific doses, Dose 1 through Dose n, respectively, for each typeof enhancement. In one arrangement, the user can specify an enhancementor enhancements to be delivered now or soon.

In one embodiment the input element 320 can include a programmingfunction to enter a set of executable instructions such as software,routines, programs, algorithms, code, logic and the like, which help theuser to follow a long-term regime or program of enhanced filtered water.Particular enhancement doses or particular types are set to be dispensedon a repeating schedule at predetermined times, such as at mealtimes orat specified intervals. The programs can be stored in the memory element340 of the enhancement control system 300.

The programs can be invoked upon identification of the user, and anyenhancement due to be dispensed can be dispensed at once. Time criteriacan be set with rules to determine when an enhancement delivery isconsidered “due” or “overdue”. The rules can include criteria todetermine whether an overdue dose is dispensed at once or whether anoverdue dose is omitted, and the schedule can be continued with the nextscheduled dose.

In another arrangement, a user can indicate through the input element320 a particular physical symptom (e.g., headache, fever), or ageneralized feeling of discomfort (e.g., lethargy, inability toconcentrate) and ask the enhancement control system 300 for suggestionsfor enhancements that might help alleviate the symptoms or discomfort. Auser can also indicate an anticipated activity (e.g., exercising,sleeping) and ask for suggestions for enhancements that might help toaccomplish that activity. Suggestions can be communicated to the userthrough the communication element 330.

After a serving of enhanced, filtered water has been dispensed, a resetfunction can return the input element 320 to a state in which it isready to be activated again. The reset function can operate manuallyand/or automatically. The input element 320 can have a child-prooffeature or a lock-out feature to prevent unauthorized use.

The input element 320 can include a user interface that is mechanical,electrical, sonic, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, or combinationsthereof. The mechanism(s) can be operated locally or remotely. Suitableways to communicate with the enhancement control system 300 through theinput element 320 can also include voice, keyboard, mouse, touch screen,remote control, and means such as selectors, slide bars, buttons,switches, squeeze bulbs, levers, dials, and pressure sensing devices.

The input signal can include information, such as user identity,personal profile, enhancement preferences, physical symptoms,anticipated physical needs, sets of executable instructions, andprograms for enhancement delivery.

Communication Element

The communication element 330 can inform a user of a variety ofconditions in the enhanced water system, that is, the status of theenhanced water system. In some arrangements, the communication occursthrough a simple mechanical device, such as by movement of a button,bar, or dial, which can be seen through a window. In other arrangements,the message can be audible or visual. Audible means include simplesounds; different sounds can have different meanings. Audible means canalso include synthesized speech that recites verbal messages describingvarious conditions. In some arrangements, visual means can include oneor more lights; lights can be labeled with words or symbols, ordifferent colored lights can be understood to have different meanings.In other arrangements, a visual display, that includes text and/orpictures can be used, such as LED, OLED, or LCD screens.

In some arrangements, feedback can be solicited by the enhancementcontrol system 300. In one embodiment, the communication element 330 canreceive input from the user in addition to providing information to theuser. An example of a communication element 330 that can also receiveinput is a touch screen that displays choices that a user can make bytouching discreet regions on the touch screen. Suitable ways ofcommunicating with the user include voice, keyboard, touch screen, andconventional means such as selectors, slide bars, buttons, and switches.By understanding what individual users desire through their responses tocertain key questions, the enhancement control system 300 can optimizedelivery of enhancements for each user either through modifying presetprograms or suggesting one-time or long-term programs of enhancementdoses.

In one embodiment, the communication element 330 can also prompt theuser to enter feedback on previous enhancement deliveries, and thecontrol system 300 can use that information to suggest modifications forthe next enhancement delivery. Feedback can include information such asthe user's response to previous enhancements. The communication element330 may also present one or more suggested enhancement options to theuser. The options can be based upon input from the feedback and/or themonitor element 350.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that shows some of the information or datathat can be included in the communication element 330. The communicationelement 330 can provide information about the enhancement inventory,such as the supply level of each enhancement in the enhancement controlsystem 300, reminders to refill empty or nearly empty supplies, andexpiration dates of enhancement materials. In some arrangements, thecommunication element 330 can also provide information about the waterfiltration part of the enhanced water system, such as the length of timeleft or remaining filtration capacity of the water filter in theenhanced water system or a reminder to change the filter. Thecommunication element 330 can provide records of previously requestedand dispensed enhancements and may include the user associated with each(dispensing history), enhancements that are scheduled to be dispensedand the dose and user associated with each (dispensing status),recurring schedule times (enhancement delivery schedules), reminders todrink filtered water with particular enhancements, environmentalinformation, health information, and user identity. For systems thatinclude an environmental monitor as part of a monitor element 350, thecommunication element 330 can provide current or past environmentalinformation.

The communication element 330 can include information about the type ofenhancement and dose amount selected and the user who has made theselection. If a series of enhancements or a time delay before dispensingof an enhancement has been chosen, the communication element 330 canindicate details about the program, such as when the next dose isscheduled to be dispensed, or a listing of the dispensing instructions.In some arrangements, the communication element 330 can provide anadditional indication to confirm that an enhancement has been dispensed.As a safety feature, the communication element 330 can includenon-compliance indicators when an unexpectedly large dose of anenhancement is chosen, when a particular user chooses an unexpectedlylarge number of enhancements, when a user chooses an unexpectedly shorttime interval between enhancement doses, or when a user chooses anenhancement that is not recommended for him/her. The communicationelement 330 can provide any information that is available to theenhancement control system 300 from any element(s) of the enhancementcontrol system 300.

Enhancement dose information can be displayed in a variety of ways. Oneexample is the number of doses and the size of each dose dispensed perday for each enhancement. Other examples include the percent USrecommended daily amount (% RDA) or total milligrams. Overdosing andnear overdosing conditions according to preset criteria can be reported.In some arrangements, enhancement dispensing can be prevented ifingesting the enhancement would result in an overdose to the user.

In some arrangements, the communication element 330 can provideinformation about faults or errors within the enhancement control system300, including power supply information. The communication element 330can provide information that has been entered through the input element320, the communication element 330 and any information that is stored inthe memory element 340.

The communication element 330 can be reset manually and/orautomatically, such as after a predetermined period. Resetting canreturn the communication element 330 to a neutral state ready tocommunicate new information.

The system of Claim minus 1 wherein the information comprisesinformation entered into the input element and information stored in amemory element of the enhanced water system.

Memory Element

The memory element 340 can store information and records such as userhealth information, enhancement delivery programs, timing of enhancementdelivery, repetition of enhancement delivery, enhancement deliverystatus, dispensing history including types and amounts of enhancements,and types and amounts of enhancements set to be dispensed at a latertime. These data can be stored for each user and for the enhanced watersystem overall. The memory element 340 can also store non-user specificinformation such as environmental information, amounts of enhancementsupplies, expiration dates of enhancement supplies, total dispensinghistory and status, and algorithms for the control logic element 310.Devices that can perform the functions of the memory element 340 includeexamples such as EEPROM, RAM, ROM, flash memory, bubble memory, andmagnetic memory devices. All information that can be displayed by thecommunication element 330, as described above, can be stored in thememory element 340. The memory element 340 can store any informationthat is available to the enhancement control system 300.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates some of the information thatcan be stored in the memory element 340. The memory element 340 canstore information such as health information, dispensing history andstatus, and enhancement delivery program(s) for a number, m, ofindividual users. The memory element 340 can store the total dispensinghistory of the enhancement control system 300 over a specified period.The memory element 340 can store information about enhancementinventories. The inventory information can include the amount remainingof each type of enhancement in the enhancement delivery element 360 andthe expiration date for each enhancement.

The user enhancement history can be queried by the control logic element310 as a safety feature to alert a user to a non-compliance condition.Examples of non-compliance conditions include unexpectedly large doses,unexpectedly large numbers of enhancements, and unexpectedly short timeintervals between enhancement doses.

The memory element 340 can record and save information about the numberof doses and the amount of enhancement in each dose dispensed from anenhancement supply. When an enhancement is refilled, the memory element340 can record the type and amount of the enhancement supply and begintracking the use of the enhancement to know when to send a low supplymessage. The memory element 340 can also track water filter life andsend a signal to the communication element 320 when it is time to changethe water filter. Water filter life can be determined by the length oftime the filter has been in the enhanced water system or, in enhancedwater systems with water flow sensors, by the amount of water that haspassed through the filter.

A computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling anenhanced water system can be stored in the memory element 340 and usedas part of the control system 300 for the enhanced water system toproduce servings of enhanced filtered water

Monitor Element

A monitor element 350 that can measure outside parameters, especiallythose that can be used in adjusting enhancement programs can beincorporated into an enhancement control system 300 for an enhancedwater system. Examples of useful monitor elements 350 are user healthmonitors and environmental monitors. Information collected by themonitor element(s) 350 can be used to adjust enhancement programs basedon preset criteria.

Often even slight dehydration can affect energy level, muscle function,and mental acuity. Dehydration can become a chronic health issue formany people who cannot perceive the change or cannot link the symptomsto the cause. Many people are also affected by imbalances in mineralssuch as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. People maynot be aware of imbalances unless their body fluids are tested.

As shown in FIG. 7, various health parameters of interest can be trackedwithin the enhancement control system 300. As used herein, the term“health parameters” refers broadly to results of tests of body functions(pulse, blood pressure, respiration rate and volume, temperature, etc.),tests of body fluids (blood, urine, saliva, breath, intra-tissue fluid,etc.) and weight. In some arrangements, the health monitor element canmeasure the chemical composition of a body fluid sample (e.g., water,minerals, enzymes, hormones, glucose, cholesterol, protein,carbohydrate, alcohol, etc.).

Measurements can be performed using noninvasive and invasive techniques,including vacuum electrodes, ultrasonic and radiographic methods. Usersare more likely to use the least obtrusive and quickest techniques.Users could use the enhancement control system 300 to monitornutritional conditions related to food and beverage intake, such ascholesterol, protein, carbohydrate, and alcohol levels. The healthmonitor element can help a user to enhance his/her filtered water basedon objective health needs without having to guess which enhancementswould be most useful.

In some arrangements, the user requests a specific test or monitor. Inother arrangements, regular testing is part of the individual user'senhancement program. A test reminder is communicated to the user throughthe communication element 330.

A user's baseline health information can be stored in the memory element340 as part of a personal profile. A user can use the health monitorelement to see how his/her current health condition compares with thebaseline. If there is a variance between current and baseline healthconditions, the enhancement control system 300 can invoke algorithms tosuggest enhancements that would be useful in restoring baseline health.Through the communication element 330, the user can choose to preparefiltered water that contains an enhancement based on the recommendation.

In one embodiment, the health monitor element can send and receivehealth information or data to and from a health practitioner for morein-depth, real time health advice and diagnosis. The information can betransmitted through phone, fax or computer data lines (such as over theinternet).

Environmental parameters of interest include temperature, humidity, airquality (e.g., levels of pollutants, SO_(x), NO_(x), pollen, smoke,allergens, mold, dust, etc.) source water quality, and filtered waterquality. Within a user's baseline health information there can beinformation on how the user's health is affected by changes in theenvironment. The enhancement control system 300 can make recommendationsfor enhancements that may mitigate anticipated consumer health responsesbased on preset criteria.

In another arrangement, the monitor element can receive information ordata wirelessly from remote systems within a user's home, such as aclimate control system. In yet another arrangement, the monitor elementcan receive information from a computer that is connected to theinternet to provide environmental or other information from sources thatare even more remote. In one arrangement, recent health information fromthe user's medical history, such as records as the office of the user'sdoctor, can be accessed.

Enhancement Delivery

The enhancement delivery element 360 includes storage for at least oneenhancement and at least one enhancement dispenser. The enhancementdelivery element 360 receives dispensing instructions that have beeninitiated from the input element 320 and sent to the enhancementdelivery element 360, either directly or indirectly. The instructionsmay be specified to the input element 320 by a user in real time. Theinstructions may have been initiated from the input element 320 at anearlier time and stored in the memory element 340 for use when desired.The instructions may have been initiated from the input element 320 andmodified by the control logic element 310 due to information receivedfrom the communication element 330, the monitor element(s) 350, and/orthe memory element 350.

FIG. 8A is a block drawing that shows one possible arrangement for anenhancement delivery element 360. Each type of enhancement, 1-n, hasassociated with it an enhancement dispenser, 1-n, respectively. FIG. 8Bshows another possible arrangement for an enhancement delivery element360. All enhancements, 1-n, are dispensed through the same dispenser.There are many other possible arrangements, such as those with certaintypes of enhancement grouped together and sharing one dispenser andother types of enhancement each having its own dispenser.

Enhancements are dispensed into filtered water as the filtered waterexits the water enhancement system. The enhancement dispenser can be amechanical dispenser, electrostatic dispenser, magnetic dispenser,electromagnetic dispenser. or any combination thereof.

Dispensing can occur only when the enhancement control system 300 is ina state that allows dispensing. If dispensing is allowed, dispensing canoccur with no additional user action except pouring or flowing filteredwater from the enhanced water system. For example, for a flow throughpitcher enhanced water system, actual dispensing of enhancement intofiltered water can occur when the enhanced water system is tilted beyonda certain angle, as when the user begins to pour water. In somearrangements, the dispensing can occur in response to a pressure changeor a flow change caused by pouring water from the system. In somearrangements, the dispensing can occur in response to detection offiltered water by a sensor at the enhanced water system exit.

Further discussion of dispensing can be found in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/825,344, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, which, as stated above, isincluded by reference herein.

Control Logic

The control logic element 310 coordinates and controls operation of thedosing control system 300. For complex control systems 300 that includeall or most of the elements shown in FIG. 3 or more, the control logicelement 310 may be a device that can load and execute algorithms. Insome embodiments, the control logic element 310 is a logic gate (i.e.,AND gate, NAND gate, OR gate, NOR gate, and NOT gate), a combination oflogic gates, or a combination of logic gates and other electronicdevices. Logic gates can also be constructed from relays, diodes,fluidics and optical elements. In other embodiments, the control logicelement 310 is a transistor (i.e., bipolar transistor, FET transistor,or CMOS transistor) or transistors, or a combination of transistors andother electronic devices. In another embodiment, the control logicelement 310 is a microcontroller or microprocessor. In yet otherembodiments, the control logic element 310 can be any combination ofdevices that will perform the desired functions. In one arrangement,algorithms are stored in the memory element 340 and are loaded andexecuted by the control logic element 310. In other arrangements, thelogic element 310 has its own associated logic memory element that canstore algorithms. The logic element 310 can load and execute thealgorithms from its own logic memory element.

The control logic element can execute an algorithm to modify enhancementdelivery instructions before transmitting the instructions to theenhancement delivery element 360. The algorithm can use data, such asinformation from the input element and the communication element,programs and records from the memory element, and information from themonitor element, to modify the enhancement delivery instructions.

Method

In one embodiment, a serving of enhanced filtered water is produced byan enhanced filtered water system that has an input element 320 and anenhancement delivery element 360 using the following steps. The servingsize can be varied depending on the preference of the user. The useruses the input element 320 to enable transmittal of an enhancementdelivery instruction. The means by which an input element can enabletransmittal of the instruction have been discussed above. The userallows the enhancement delivery element 360 to receive the enhancementdelivery instruction and then to dispense an enhancement into a servingof filtered water according to the instruction.

In another embodiment, a serving of enhanced filtered water is producedby an enhanced filtered water system that has additional elements usingthe following steps. The input element 320 contains an electronic deviceand the user uses the electronic device to identify the user, by any ofthe means that have been described above. The user allows the controllogic element 310 to access stored information associated with the userfrom the memory element 350, the stored information including a programof scheduled enhancements. The user allows the communication element 330to display at least a portion of the program of scheduled enhancements.The user activates the program to send an enhancement deliveryinstruction according to at least a portion of the program to theenhancement delivery element 360.

In yet another embodiment, a serving of enhanced filtered water isproduced by an enhanced filtered water system that has additionalelements using the following steps. The input element 320 contains anelectronic device and the user uses the electronic device to identifythe user, by any of the means that have been described above. The userallows the control logic element 310 to access stored informationassociated with the user from the memory element 350, the storedinformation including a program of scheduled enhancements. The userallows a monitor element 350 to provide outside information to thesystem. Examples of the information that the monitor element(s) 350 canprovide have been discussed above. The user allows the control logicelement 310 to apply a predetermined algorithm to modify the program ofscheduled enhancements using the outside information. The user allowsthe communication element 330 to display at least a portion of themodified program of scheduled enhancements. The user activates theprogram to send an enhancement delivery instruction according to atleast a portion of the modified program to the enhancement deliveryelement 360.

In one arrangement, a serving of enhanced filtered water is produced byan enhanced filtered water system using the following steps. A userinputs a health symptom to the system through the input element 320. Theuser allows the control logic element 310 to query the memory element340 for suggested enhancements that may be helpful in alleviating thehealth symptom. The system displays the suggested enhancements on thecommunication element 330. The user chooses an enhancement(s) from thesuggested enhancements. The user uses either the input element 320 orthe communication element 330 to initiate an instruction to theenhancement delivery element 360 to prepare a serving of enhancedfiltered water containing the chose enhancement(s). The user allows theenhancement delivery element to receive the enhancement deliveryinstruction and to dispense the chosen enhancement(s) into a serving offiltered water.

Example 1

A very simple enhancement control system 300 includes a dropper bottle(i.e., a bottle of enhancement and a liquid dropper with a squeeze bulb)that is associated with a water filtration system, such as apour-through system or a faucet mount system. The dropper bottlecontains an echinacea enhancement in liquid form. Steps for using such amanual control system are shown in FIG. 9. In step 910, a user squeezesa squeeze bulb (input element 320) on the dropper 5 times, thus sendingenhancement delivery instructions to the other end of the dropper (theenhancement delivery element 360) to dispense 5 drops of echinacea intoan outlet of the water enhancement system. In step 920, the useractivates the enhanced water system to flow filtered water (either froma pour-through pitcher or a faucet mount water filtration device)through the outlet of the enhanced water system, thus mixing filteredwater with the echinacea enhancement. In step 930, the enhanced filteredwater flows into a container.

In a variation on Example 1, the desired number of drops of enhancementcan be squeezed into a separate serving container. The container can befilled with filtered water. As the filtered water mixes with theenhancement, the filtered water becomes enhanced water. In yet anothervariation, the desired number of drops of enhancement can be added tothe filtered water as it leaves the water filtration system.

In this example, the input element 320 is the squeeze bulb on the liquiddropper. The enhancement delivery instructions are the squeezes a usermakes on the squeeze bulb of the dropper bottle. The enhancementdelivery element 360 includes the bottle of enhancement (enhancementstorage) and the liquid dropper (enhancement dispenser).

Example 2

In another example, a manual enhancement control system 300 containsfour lights (communication element 330) each of which has a label for aparticular enhancement in the enhancement control system 300 inventoryand a particular dose for each enhancement. Steps for using such amanual enhancement control system 300 are shown in FIG. 10. In step1010, a user moves a lever next to the light indicating Vitamin C on theinput element 320 to choose a dose of Vitamin C enhancement. Enhancementdelivery instructions are sent to an enhancement delivery element 360and, in step 1020, the enhancement delivery element 360 dispenses a doseof Vitamin C into the outlet of the water enhancement system. In step1030, the user activates the enhanced water system to flow filteredwater through the outlet, mixing filtered water with Vitamin Cenhancement. In step 1040, the filtered water enhanced with Vitamin Cflows into a container.

Example 3

The steps in Example 3 for a semi-automatic control system are shown inFIG. 11. In step 1110, a user enters an identification code into anenhancement control system 300 using a keypad on the input element 320.In step 1120, a control logic element 310 queries a memory element 340to find the user's stored enhancement program. In step 1130, a screen(communication element 330) displays the next scheduled enhancement(iron), dose (18 mg), and time (within the next 6 hours) in the program.In step 1140, the user pushes an OK key on the input element 320 to sendenhancement delivery instructions to prepare enhanced filtered wateraccording to the program. Enhancement delivery instructions are sent tothe appropriate enhancement delivery element 360. In step 1150, theenhancement delivery element 360 dispenses a dose of iron into theoutlet of the water enhancement system. In step 1160, the enhanced watersystem flows filtered water through the outlet, mixing filtered waterwith the iron enhancement. In step 1170, enhanced filtered water flowsinto a container.

Example 4

The steps in Example 4 for a semi-automatic control system are shown inFIG. 12A and continued in FIG. 12B. In FIG. 12A, in step 1210, a userswipes an ID card with a magnetic strip through a magnetic card reader(in input element 320). In step 1220, the user attaches a blood pressurecuff to his/her arm and pushes a button on the input element 320 tostart blood pressure measurement, the value of which is stored in memoryelement 340 when complete. In step 1230, the logic element 310 queriesthe memory element 340 for the user's personal profile, blood pressurehistory, current blood pressure value, environmental data, enhancementprogram(s), dispensing history, and enhancement inventory, and then usesalgorithms to determine useful enhancement(s). In step 1240, based inpart on a slightly elevated blood pressure value, a recommendation forenhancements calcium (currently available in system) and magnesium (notcurrently available in system) are displayed on a touch screen of acommunication element 330. Continuing in FIG. 12B, in step 1250, theuser touches the touch screen to send enhancement delivery instructionsfor 1000 mg of calcium enhancement. In step 1260, the enhancementdelivery element 360 dispenses 1000 mg of calcium enhancement into theoutlet of the water enhancement system. In step 1270, the enhanced watersystem flows filtered water through the outlet, mixing filtered waterwith the calcium enhancement. In step 1280, enhanced filtered waterflows into a container. In step 1290, the user touches the touch screento add magnesium to a list of enhancements the user may want to add tothe enhanced water system inventory.

This invention has been described herein in considerable detail toprovide those skilled in the art with information relevant to apply thenovel principles and to construct and use such specialized components asare required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can becarried out by different equipment, materials and devices, and thatvarious modifications, both as to the equipment and operatingprocedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of theinvention itself.

1. A gravity-flow water enhancement system, comprising: a housingincluding a source water container having an inlet for receiving sourcewater and a treated water container for storing treated water; a filtercomponent within the housing and in fluid communication with both thesource water container and the treated water container, wherein sourcewater introduced to the source water container is converted into treatedwater as it flows through the filter component under the influence ofgravity; the housing further including an outlet in fluid communicationwith the treated water container for outflow of a stream of treatedwater; a first enhancement module disposed outside the housing adjacentthe outlet, the first enhancement module being effective to dispense adesired amount of a first enhancement for use in combining with treatedwater dispensed from the outlet; and wherein the first enhancementmodule includes a disposable cartridge with a reservoir for holding thefirst enhancement.
 2. The enhanced water system of claim 1, wherein thefirst enhancement mixes with a serving of filtered water at the point ofuse.
 3. The enhanced water system of claim 1, wherein the disposablecartridge includes a reservoir.
 4. The water enhancement system of claim1, wherein the first enhancement is in the form of a liquid.
 5. Thewater enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the first enhancement isselected from the group consisting of minerals, vitamins, herbalsupplements, nutritional supplements, phytonutrients, probiotics,homeopathic remedies, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, standardprescription medications and over-the-counter medications, andcombinations thereof.
 6. The water enhancement system of claim 5,further comprising a secondary aesthetic enhancement selected from thegroup consisting of coloring agents, flavoring agents, natural fruitflavor extracts, artificial fruit flavor extracts, botanical flavorextracts, fruit juice, edible acids, natural sweeteners, artificialsweeteners, antioxidants, taste indicators, visual indicators, andcombinations thereof.